What is a Biome?

Biomes are areas that are similar in geographic and climate conditions. They also have similar communities of animals, plants, and bacteria. Biomes are defined by factors such as plant structure, which is grass, flowers, bushes, trees, etc…, leaf types, (needle leaf, broadleaf), and plant spacing, such as woodland, forest, or savannas.

Source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biome



What kind of biome do we live in?

What is a Savanna?

Savannas are very warm all year round. They have two seasons, winter, which is usually very dry and long, and summer, which is very wet, meaning there is a lot of rainfall during this season. The average rainfall for winter is four inches. However, there is no rain fall from December to February. Despite this, it is cooler during this season, although the temperature is still close to or around 70 Fahrenheit. During the summer, it is very humid and hot. Because of this, it rains almost everyday for hours at a time. However, not enough rain forms to maintain a healthy forest. The trees in a savanna are spaced far apart, allowing sunlight to reach the ground. There are also more species of plants than animals in savannas.
Would you want to live in a savanna?



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savanna
http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/savanna.htm

An Example of a Savanna

There are many savnnas spread out across Africa. One of these savannas is the Serengeti. The Serengeti savanna was discovered in 1913 by a man called Steward Edward White. It is also one of the oldest ecosytems on earth. The vegitation, climate, and fauna have had almsot no change in the past million years, despite human interference.

Why do you think the Serengeti Savanna hasn't changed in millions of years?

http://www.serengeti.org/

What should you find in a savanna?

In a savanna, you will find many animals. Most of the species in a savanna are animals but there also are plants. There are shrubs scattered throughout the terrain and you can find isolated trees. If you go to a savanna in the winter, you will not find much water but if you go in the summer, you find loads of it. Types of animals that you will find include elephants, African wild dogs, black mamba, caracal, baboon, Egyption Mongoose, Emu, zebra, koala bears, lion, nigriceps ants, crocidiles, plus many many more. These animals depend on each other for survival.
Which types of these animals do you think are carnivores?



cite- http://www.masai-mara.net/images/animals_cover.jpg

Jackalberry Tree

Jackalberry trees grow on termite mounds. The long roots on this tree protect the termites. This is a symbiotic relationship called commensalism. This tree prefers to live in moist or rocky soil. Jackalberry trees produce a fruit that many animals eat called Jackalberry fruit. This fruit has a sweet-lemon flavor, has a yellow-green color, and is about 1 inch in diameter. Jackelberry trees are traditionally known for their medical purposes. They help to stop bleeding. This type of tree isn't very common in places outside of a savanna but it is not an endangered species.

Have you ever seen a medicine that contains jackalberry juice to stop bleeding?

Source:

http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/savanna.htm

Gum Tree Eucalyptus

Gum Tree Eucalyptus is a 20-30 foot tall producer that lives in the savanna. They produce creamy white flowers which attract bee's. It said to be so that bee's who eat the nectar from this plant have sweeter honey. This tree is also used for medical purposes such as to treat infections, colds, the flu, sore throats, skin infections, and many more. Gum Tree Eucalyptus does not tolerate cold weather and that is why it is found in savanna's beacause it is very warm there. Koala Bear's eat the flowers from this tree and it is there primary food source.

Have you ever used eucalyptus bath salt?

BOTH OF THEM PRODUCED LONG ROOTS TO REACH WATER THAT IS SO DEEP INTO THE GROUND BECAUSE IT RARELY RAINS IN A SAVANNA DURING THE WINTER. ALSO, THE TRUNKS STORE WATER SO THEY CAN USE IT DURING THE WINTER.


Source:

http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/savanna.htm

Two Specific Animals

There are many unique types of animals in a savanna. The black mamba is one of these unique animals. It is the most deadly snake in the whole world and are at the top of the food chain. Their prey include small mammals and are found in pairs or small groups. However, they are threatned by habitat destruction, which could eventually lead to the extincion of this dangerous snake.

Another unique species is the grant's zebra. They grow to be about 50 inches and barks instead of naying. The grant's zebra live in groups called Harems, which is led by a single male. Because of this, they rely on each other to look out for danger and food. When a predator appears, the zebra's bunch together and creat an optical illusion, which confuses the predator.

Citation: http://www.no-pest.com/BlackMamba2.jpg

What is another animal that is unique to a savnna?

Geographical Regions of a Savanna Biome

The region where this biome is found can be described as a typically warmer area of the world. A savanna can be located in Africa, Australia, South America, and South Asia. A Savanna biome is located here because the organisms that live here only tolerate warm weather. Some of these organsims that live here, however, do live in other places other than a savanna. This is the most common place where they are found though.

Why do think the animals that live in a savanna can only tolerate warm weather?

Source:
http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/savanna.htm

This is a video to help you to understand more things about a savanna biome. I hope you enjoy it!